Hello Friend,
I have spent the past few weeks studying the 23rd Psalm. Line by line. Word by word. And for those of you who know me well, you know that I would not ever, no matter how fresh and tender, lie down in green pastures. And yet, my soul desires restoration. So I have decided to freshen and make tender my pasture—my resting place.
Did you know that we spend 1/3 of our life sleeping? And recently, with the help of a sleep therapist, my attitude toward my bedroom has vastly changed. It is my resting place and I am in the process of “greening” it. With Jim’s help, I have detoxed our mattress with baking soda and lavender essential oils. I researched plants that clean the air and have replaced dirt-catching dried arrangements with living plants of English Ivy and a pathos plant. I also added a peace lily because I just loved the idea of introducing peace into my sanctuary. By rearranging the furniture, I now have room for my yoga mat. By the way, my mat also doubles as my meditation and prayer rug. By opening the blinds, I have a lovely view of the clear blue sky through the branches of an old oak tree which helps me to refocus my mind. A basket of my must-read books has been placed by a reupholstered lay-Z boy. This is but just a sampling of the effort I have expended in creating my own “green pasture.”
So, this week, I would like you to consider your go-to place for restoration. Is your bedroom your sanctuary? Do you have a sacred space? The psalmist, David, knew he needed a quiet time of rest and renewal. I’ll bet you do too!
Loving my new green pasture, Linda